What actions would you take as a state legislator to protect and strengthen Washington’s food security safety net, including both public nutrition programs and the food banks and food pantries serving communities across the state?

I would like to follow in the steps of representatives like Rep. Farivar who have been champions of expanding access to groceries in food deserts. We need to make it easier for folks to provide access to healthy foods in all of our neighborhoods. That means we need to update our zoning laws so that is possible. And get rid of some of the hoops people have to jump through to build grocery stores in neighborhoods that desperately need them. We also need to provide funding for our local programs that provide nutrition to those in needs. We will need to bring in progressive revenue to ensure we can pay for programs like food pantries and food banks.

What have you done to understand food insecurity in the communities you seek to represent—including engaging with people experiencing hunger or local hunger-relief organizations—and what policies would you prioritize to address the root causes of hunger and ensure Washington residents can afford and access the food they need?

I have lived through food insecurity as a kid, accompanying my grandmother to our local food bank at times. And as an adult I work at an educational program that serves families that need assistance with food access. With our students that need extra support we provide grocery cards through out the year to ease the burden. When it comes to root causes of hunger I believe we need to tackle the high cost of housing, the biggest expense for all families. This means we need to enact tenant protections, limit the inflation of utilities by banning Ratio Utility Billing Systems, and we need to provide affordable housing options through out our state. We also need to invest in workforce development so we can get more people into higher paying jobs through apprenticeships and other programs.

What policies or investments would you support to strengthen Washington’s food system, increase access to locally produced food, support Washington farmers and producers, and reduce food waste?

I would love try and expand on the successful “Fresh Bucks” program in Seattle. This is getting local produce into the hands of low income residents from local farmers at our markets. There is often a gap in healthy food access and the Fresh Bucks program is amazing. If we can invest in this we would be able to feed so many Washingtonians and invest in our local economy by putting money in the pockets of Washington farmers.